Review of The Next Karate Kid (1994) by Dana C — 25 May 2008

This film gets a hell of a critical grilling but I was pleasantly surprised. Hialry Swank was a great up and coming actress when this was released back in 1994 and remians brilliant in acclaimed films like Boys don't cry and Million Dollar Baby.

Yes, she is no Ralph Maccio (Daniel-San) but you have to be very naive to think that her character would be like the original Karate Kid. At times this film feels like it doesn't justify its title as there is little Karate seen in the film but this is an advantage.

This is in my opinion and slick film with soem beautiful cinematography and a warming message - believe in yourself and you can succeed. Spread your wings and you can fly. Side notes - a more subdued by once again lovely score from resident Karate Kid composer Bill Conti and Noriyuki Pat Morita is brilliant as always as the charismatic and wise Miyagi.

Very underrated in my opinion. Yes it's not breathtaking as some of the sequences in the earlier Karate Kid movies might have been but it makes up for it with strong performances, some nicely tuned wit and delicacy.

I would rate it higher I think but I'm conscious that the film is always slated. This is a good film. Trust me. Watch it again and put 'Daniel-San' and John Kreese out of your mind. Michael Ironside provides a great supporting role here anyway.

A decent prequel.